2008(1) Bankmann 319 (Mad.)
MADRAS HIGH COURT
K.M. Basha, J.
Andavar Trading Co. Appellant
versus
M/s V. Senthil Kumar and Co.
and Others Respondents
Criminal A. No. 1025 of 2000
Decided on 21.11.2007
Counsel for the Parties:
For the Appellant:Mr. V. Srinivasan, Advocate.
For the Respondent No. 1:Mr. K. Kuppusamy, Advocate.
For the Respondent Nos. 2 and 3:Mr. N. Doraisamy, Legal Aid Advocate.
Headnote:Negotiable Instruments Act, 1886—Section 138—Dishonour of cheque—Appeal against acquittal—Complaint would not be maintained if same was preferred by proprietary concern—Complaint was preferred by proprietary concern represented by its power of Attorney for its proprietary—Complaint was maintainable and contrary conclusion drawn by Magistrate was not sustainable—Evidence however showed that possibility of filling up of blank cheque and misusing the same could not be ruled out—Accused rebutted the presumption not only by preponderance of probabilities but by placing reliance on certain admitted material on record—Acquittal called for no interference. (Paras 10 to 12)
Result: Appeal dismissed.
K.M. Basha, J.—This appeal is preferred against the order or acquittal passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate, Tiruchengode in CC.No.31 of 1994 date 11.5.2006 acquitting the accused for the offence under Section 138 Negotiable Instruments Act.
2. Learned counsel appearing for the appellant contended that the learned trial Magistrate acquitted the accused without assigning any valid reasons. It is submitted that the appellant complainant has complied with all the mandatory requirements contemplated under Section 138 Negotiable Instruments Act and even the legally enforceable liability the part of the accused has also been proved. But the learned Magistrate simply ignored all those materials in favour of the complainant, the appellant herein and acquitted the accused.
3. It is also contended that the learned Magistrate erred in holding that the Power of Attorney executed in favour of PW.1 by the proprietrix is not a valid one. Learned counsel for the appellant further contended that the learned Magistrate has also committed error of law in placing reliance on the disputed cheque Ex.P1 bearing No.765539 dated 31.7.93 and held that the same is doubtful on the ground that the cheque bearing No.765538 has been issued for payment towards the supplies made under Bill No.20. It is also contended by the learned counsel for the appellant that the learned Magistrate has proceeded on the wrong basis that the proprietor has failed to examine himself on behalf of the complainant since the complaint had been filed by the Power of Attorney.
4. Per contra Mr. K. Kuppusamy, learned counsel appearing for the first respondent A1 contended that there is no illegality or infirmity in the order of the acquittal and the learned Magistrate assigned valid reasons. It is also submitted that the learned Magistrate has rightly held that the complaint preferred by the Power of Attorney of Proprietrix concern is not maintainable. It; is contended by the learned counsel that the complainant proprietary concern is not a partnership firm or a company and as such Section 141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is not applicable to the instant case. It is also submitted that the learned Magistrate has rightly placed reliance on the decision of this Court in. 1998 (3) Crimes 337. Learned counsel also contended that even the said Power of Attorney executed in favour of the Manager of Proprietary concern, is not properly executed in accordance with law. It is also brought to the notice of this Court by the learned counsel that the learned Magistrate has also rightly held that the respondent rebutted the presumption contemplated under Section 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act by placing reliance on the questions raised in the cross-examination of PW1. A perusal of the materials available on record clearly shows that Ex. Pl cheque dated 31.7.93 bearing serial number 765539 was issued in respect of bill No.13 which is the disputed cheque in this case and whereas towards the subsequent bill No.20, a cheque issued bearing No.765538 dated 31.3.93 was all ready realized and such inconsistency raises doubt and probablises the defence version. It is also contended that the perusal of the Bill No.13 shows the names of Senthil Kumar and Co, and also Pan Kaliamman Oil Mills and therefore it is doubtful whether the bill is in relation to Senthil Kumar arid Co or Pon Kaliamman Oil Mills and as such there is a serious doubt about the supply of materials to Senthil Kumar and Co on credit basis and the therefore learned Magistrate rightly held that the complainant has not been proved and the cheque was not issued for legally enforceable liability and the accused has rebutted the presumption contemplated under Section 139 of Negotiable Instruments Act. It is further stated that even the perusal of Ex. Pl the disputed cheque in this case clearly shows that there were variations in respect of signature and the contents of the cheque and as such the possibility of filling